Seat swap: Reclaiming rightful seats at a game

Q: My husband and I arrived late to a ball game, only to find that another couple had taken our seats. My husband wanted to ask them to move, but I suggested we sit in some empty spots a few rows back. Who was right?

A: Your husband’s right. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask people to move during a sports game, even if you’re late. The seat-hopping couple should oblige – quickly and without argument – once you display your ticket stubs. (You can simply, “We’re a little late, but I think these are our seats.”) If you’re late to a concert or play, however, rely on the theater usher to decide if you need to wait for intermission to claim your seats without making noise and bothering others. Bottom line? There’s nothing with a little creative seat swapping, as long as seats are promptly relinquished if the folks who bought the tickets arrive.